Stephen Thornton Melton

On Thursday, June 17, 2021, Stephen T Melton, loving husband, and father of three children, and grandfather of 6 passed away peacefully at the age of 71. Steve was born on March 1, 1950, in Dallas, TX to Harold and Marijo. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Southern Methodist University. Steve married Ann Haralson and they have three children Steve Jr, Whitt and Wes.  Steve had many different passions in his life pursuing careers as a Garland Police Officer, Banker, Business Owner, Entrepreneur, and owning his own CPA practice for the last 32 years. Steve earned many professional achievements, most notably being the youngest bank president in Texas (at the time) and earning his CPA license.   Steve was a martial arts enthusiast starting as a white belt in 1967. He earned his 1st degree black belt in 1971 and his 9th degree black belt in Taekwondo in 2020. As a young black belt Steve was a championship fighter and was featured in Black Belt Magazine.  Steve’s supreme skill and knowledge lead to his induction into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, as well as being awarded the title of History General in the Sport Karate Museum.   Steve was an avid fitness and competition lover that competed in many different athletics outside of martial arts. Steve loved to run in marathons and competed in several Triathlons. He loved playing and coaching golf, baseball, softball, basketball, and football.   Steve was passionate about serving the community at the highest level. Steve changed thousands of lives by teaching martial arts, coaching little league sports, and serving on the Richardson High School Quarterback Club as the President. One of his proudest achievements was raising over $25k for the Richardson Athletics Program to upgrade their scoreboard and athletic facilities. He loved giving back so much and teaching youth, he even volunteered his time as an instructor in the business and accounting departments at Richland College.  Steve was preceded in death by his father, Harold, and his mother, Marijo. He is survived by his wife Ann, his three children, Steve, Whitt, and Wes, his brother Michael, his cousin David and his grandchildren Lauren, Steve III, Brandt, Kaiden, Wes Jr, and Austin.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 24th, 2021, at Sparkman/ Hillcrest Mausoleum Chapel East at 3 o’clock p.m. 7405 W. Northwest Highway Dallas, TX.